Raising Wildlings

In this episode we are talking to two alternative education pioneers where the walls of the classroom extend beyond the buildings and into nature and beyond . We chat with Jacqui Leach and Catherine Oehlman from The Nature School in Port Macquarie.

In this episode (part two of two) with author and principal, John Marsden, we chat about how children are not all sweetness and innocence, how adolescents are not worthless and depraved and that parents need to be adults most of the time! If you’re curious as to why teens need to (metaphorically) ‘kill’ their parents to become adults, then this is the episode for you!

In this episode we talk to author and principal, John Marsden, about his schools, Candlebark School and Alice Miller School and how they are different to traditional schools. We talk about Candlebark’s fabulous school motto: ‘Take risks’ and how first-hand experiences are the essence of the schools.

John tells us three things he would change about the traditional education system and what to look for when you’re searching for a school for your children.

Has your child ever done something that has made you gasp and want to cover your eyes? Early climbers climbing out of their high chair, children scaling trees so high you can barely spot them or swimming beyond their depth, or teens wrestling like they’re in a WWF match? Good! We hope you may find some relief in the fact that your child is doing EXACTLY what they are designed to do! Take risks! And that is exactly what we’re going to be talking about - Risky Play. What it is, the 6 types of risky play, why children seek out risk, why it’s important and how to incorporate it into your outdoor play.

In this episode, we’re talking about the benefits of outdoor play (especially in light of corona virus) and the role of outdoor play for family culture and community. Wondering how to create a habit of daily outdoor play for your family? Then this is the episode for you.

In this episode we talk about Wildschooling. What it is, what is not, how to incorporate Wildschooling around traditional schooling and how we incorporate Wildschooling into our own children’s lives.

In this BONUS episode (part two of two), we continue our chat with psychologist, parent educator and author of Inner Child Journeys, Robin Grille. We cover the parenting disconnect, smacking and the origins of our authoritarian education and parenting culture. Be prepared to perhaps feel uncomfortable and/or challenged and remember that Robin's work focuses on how when we are triggered by these feelings - we can use these moments as opportunities for personal growth.

In this episode (part one of two episodes), we chat with psychologist, parent educator and author Robin Grille, about how the best way to understand our children, is to first understand ourselves. Think of this episode as your gentle reminder that parenting is a personal growth journey!

What is Respectful Communication? If you’re looking for a more peaceful, gentle approach to parenting, then this episode for you! In this episode we share with you why we wholeheartedly value working in cooperation with our own children and also the children we care for in our nature play programs.

In this episode we explore the misconceptions around emotional regulation and childhood development. Justin gives us some great questions to ask ourselves when our children have big emotions with practical tips on how to stay connected and keep our boundaries in place.

In this episode, we’re opening up and telling you our story. How we left our mainstream teaching jobs, started Wildlings Forest School, began unschooling our children and right now, starting the Raising Wildlings podcast. We talk about why we made the choices we have for our families, why we finally decided to get this podcast up and running and where we want to take it.

In this episode, we’re talking with Psychologist, Peter Gray, about the importance of play and how we need to stop dismissing play as trivial; we’re talking about how to create environments where children learn best and we break down some of the misconceptions around self-directed learning, in particular university entry and future success.

Raising Wildlings is a podcast for parents and educators who are seeking to learn more about respectful parenting, alternative education, how children learn and the importance of play. We can't wait to share the wisdom and experiences of experts as well as everyday parents who have taken a wilder path.